FBI joins Kansas investigation of George Tiller slaying

The Justice Department said FBI agents will conduct "a thorough review of the evidence" and will look into whether Tiller's accused killer, Scott Roeder, violated the federalaw intended to ensure unfettered access to abortion clinics. Tiller, one of the few physicians who performed late-term abortions, was gunned down at church in Wichita on Sunday.

A federal investigation has been launched in connection with the fatal shooting of George Tiller, the U.S. Department of Justice announced today.

The department's Civil Rights Division and the U.S. Attorney's Office for Kansas are investigating the case.

Tiller was shot and killed Sunday while he was serving as an usher at his church, Reformation Lutheran Church.

Scott P. Roeder has been charged in Sedgwick County District Court with first-degree murder and two counts of aggravated assault in connection with the shooting.

"The federal probe will consist of a thorough review of the evidence and an assessment of any potential violations of the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act (FACE Act) or other federal statutes," according to a news release issued today by the Justice Department.

The FACE Act was enacted by Congress in 1994 to establish federal criminal penalties and civil remedies for violent, obstructionist or damaging conduct affecting reproductive health care providers and recipients.

The federal investigation will be conducted "in close coordination" with the Sedgwick County District Attorney's Office, the Justice Department said.